The US exchange rate with England, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is at the highest level we’ve seen in over ten years. And that is devastating news for fliers thinking of buying a larger kite. We’re pleased to be the exclusive North American distributor of the Peter Lynn Giants. But since we pay for them in New Zealand dollars, we’ve steadily watched our costs go up and our margins (and ability to offer discounts) evaporate. If our friends in Ashburton were making more money, that would be one thing. But the sad fact is that we pay more in US funds, while they get the same amount they always did. And their costs are rising as well! Here’s an example: For the past five years, we’ve listed most of the Giants at $4200. But this morning, converting the list price from 6400 New Zealand Dollars, you get a price of US$4820 – plus shipping of around $200. After looking long and hard at the options, we’ve been forced to switch our pricing over to New Zealand Dollars. If you want a kite, we’ll run the conversions when you place an order. We hate doing that but it makes more sense than changing prices each week to try and keep up with the dropping dollar. Of course, if you live outside the States and want to buy a kite, this is an excellent time to do so. The only problems are higher shipping costs, parcel size restrictions, and customs fees. Susie and I are splitting up this weekend. I'll be at the Windscape Kite Festival in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Susie will be performing here in Oregon for the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival. So we'll be busy! And speaking of busy, a large shipment of long-awaited kites just arrived. Here's a few of the new designs:

Super Genki In Japan, when you ask people how they are feeling, you ask if they are “genki”. Fly this huge, colorful kite and you’ll be feeling great! The Super Genki is a big kite that offers exceptional stability, a high flight angle, and great light-wind performance. Stunning prism graphics create a colorful presence that is impossible to miss in the sky. We’ve included multiple connection points so you can easily add tubes, tails, or streamers. Choose rainbow, warm, or cool colors. The kites are13 feet wide and 4 feet tall and retail for $200 each. Use 150 to 250 pound line in 4-15 mph of wind. Oh -- and they go really well with the rainbow, phoenix, or miami 96 foot Transition Tails.

Totemo Genki: Looking to have some Genki fun but not quite as big or expensive? Try the petite Totemo Genki. It is just 6 feet wide and 2.5 feet tall. Comes in purple, yellow or red with black and white accents. Fly on 50-100 pound line and add matching Transition Tails in the 24 foot size. The Genki is just $40 and tails are $10 each. BTW – in Japan, when someone asks if you are “genki”, the polite answer is “Totemo Genki!” Click here for a Totemo Genki photo.

Starburst Stunt Kite: When we first discovered maneuverable kites back in the Seventies, they were diamond shaped. “Stunters” came with long flowing tails, pulled hard, and roared around the sky. Flying those kites changed our lives. The Starburst harkens back to those early physical flying days. It won’t do axels, flips, or fades. But it will put a huge smile on your face as you drive it through the wind. We built the Starburst with slightly heavier framing for durability in stronger winds. Beginners will enjoy the fast learning curve, while experienced fliers will appreciate the unique diamond-wing performance. Long fabric tails add to the show as you sky-write with each loop or turn. Add several kites together in stacks for a spectacular presentation. We’ve included detachable train lines and a quick “pigtail” connection system. Each Starburst is 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. A matching 45 foot tail is included. Best performance will be in 7 to 17 mph of wind. Fly a single Starburst on 100-pound lines or stacks of up to six on 200-pound lines. Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple with black and white accents. Each Starburst is $40.

Chevron Stunt Kite: The Chevron is the second stunter in our series of maneuverable kites. You pilot it through the air with two flying lines. We’ve made it tough, forgiving, and easy to handle. Each Chevron is 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. A matching 45 foot tail is included. The main difference between the Chevron and the Starburst is that the Chevron is made with a slightly lighter frame. This allows better performance in lighter winds. Fly a single Chevron in 4-15 mph on 100 pound line. Stacks of up to six can use 200 pound line. Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple with black and white accents. Each Chevron is $40. We’ve included detachable train lines and a quick “pigtail” connection system.

Flying Line: Stunt and Sport kites don’t come with line. The reason is that many kiters already have kites and don’t want to pay for new line sets with each new kite. But if this is your first kite, or if you are ready for new lines, we have just the thing! 100 pound Dynema – a pair of 100 foot lines, pre-stretched, sleeved, and wound on a plastic winder. Straps included. $20 200 pound Dynema – a pair of 100 foot lines, pre-stretched, sleeved, and wound on a plastic winder. Large padded straps included. $28 Lines for maneuverable kites are different from other kite lines. You want something that is very thin - to reduce drag. You want a line that is slippery – so when you complete loops and twist the line, you can still control the kite. You want line that has minimal stretch – so when you pull on one, the kite gets the signal. And you want a line that is durable – so you don’t need to buy more again soon.

100 Foot Rainbow Ribbon: Leave a trail in the sky! Our new 100 rainbow ribbons are made from tough nylon sailcloth and will add excitement to any kite. Use them to accent a traditional kite or for “skywriting” with maneuverable kites. Each multicolored ribbon is 100 feet long, hemmed for durability, and constructed with a reinforced eyelet. The durable nylon fabric will stay bright for years. Rainbow Ribbons are priced at just $25 each.

New Product mean New Product Sales! Order a Genki, Stunter, or Dynema Line between now and the end of June, mention the Update, and save 20%!

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